I’d heard of 15 Collingwood in Abington because they were a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards and did extremely well against the eventual winner (the much bigger outfit that is Bells Interiors). But how did this bijoux, retro store become so established on the Northamptonshire interiors landscape? Well Muddy thinks it has the answer; and it’s very much to do with the flamboyantly named, Rocco Cat (huge name envy right now)! The super stylish 15 Collingwood was set up in by Rocco and his brother Franco Catalano (see, do you see where they got the cat, prrrrr) in 2013.

Both were born and grew up in Northampton, and are very much in touch with the local design scene. Rocco studied Fashion Marketing at Newcastle Poly and Fashion Design in Milan, before moving to London to work and study Furniture and Interior Design. He then became a freelance illustrator in London, later moving up to the renowned Glasgow School of Art to take a second degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing (not bartending as he might have led Muddy to believe).

After Glasgow, he decided to move back to Northampton (yay) and saw a gap in the market for a more design-led lifestyle store. Working with his brother, Franco, they soon started to attract a steady stream of discerning buyers (you can see why), and before long they were on the Muddy hit-list of must see businesses.

Both brothers have an innate appreciation and passion for great design, so the shop is all about furniture and lighting design, glass and ceramics and unique and quirky retro pieces for the home, or office. I was a bit nervous about visiting as I generally pick out what I like, without a thought for whether it’s Eames, George Nelson, Hans Wegner or Arne Jacobsen (ahem, I copied those off the site natch ; ) But I needn’t have worried; Rocco might know his stuff, but he’s no snob and was very happy to spend an hour dumbing down with me at 15 Collingwood. The shop is a wonderfully eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary pieces; from jewellery and artwork (by ex-graduates of art schools) to sumptuous textiles including cushions and rugs, as well as a broad range of artworks by talented local artists (speaking of which, they hold exhibitions of local artists/photographers 3-4 times a year).

They also sell mid-century and modern movement design classics mixed with industrial and reproduction furniture, it’s all high quality, but most notably (to Philistine Muddy at least), it’s VERY affordably priced. So much so, I managed three key pieces which I think you’ll agree look simply Gorjus!

I fell in love with this 1960s cranberry balloon brandy glass (or vase as you can see from my multi-use), it’s tres chic on my dining table, as it is also super lovely on my new 1960s Nathan coffee table with nesting side tables (which at less than £150, was an absolute steal, and look how stylish AND functional it is)!

Lastly I plumped for this retro looking lampshade made by local maker Nifty Shades out of waxed African fabric (even the kids commented on it when they came home from school). I love that with just a few pieces you can really lift up your look, and if you don’t feel confident updating your own style, they also have an interior consultation service where they visit people’s houses to work their magic (and they can also value pieces you already have)! 15 Collingwood is a genuine, quality curation of interior pieces, and as a consumer, you can be confident that everything is hand-picked by someone with a design background and an eye for real style. If, unlike me, you know your interiors stuff, you’ll also find pieces from Ercol, G-Plan, Nathan, Ladderax, Ernest Race, Gordon Russell, Guy Rogers, Arne Hovmand Olsen, Kofod Larsen amongst other iconic designers! So intrigued was I by this wonderfully, glamorous world of interiors, I even invited the lovely Rocco and his partner Peter over for dinner, and even though they had normal sized wine glasses, I couldn’t resist trying out one of my 15 Collingwood purchases…The balloon brandy glass hasn’t been since!

Need a little revamp at home? Go and browse or talk to Rocco today on 01604 714644 or at 15 Collingwood.